Roger Darrell Boatright, age 71, of Alma passed away on Friday, May 8, 2020 at the Bacon County Hospital after an extended illness.
He was born February 18, 1949 in Bacon County to the late Alton (Dink) Boatright and Bertha Ray Boatright. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by three brothers, Alton Boatright, Jr., Kenneth Boatright and Sammy Boatright and a sister Shirley McClure.

Roger was a 1967 graduate of Patterson High School; afterwards, he attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. He retired from the Georgia State Patrol as a Trooper 1 ^st Class. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Big Brothers Sunday School Class, Bacon County Lodge #56, the Bacon County Exchange Club, the GSP ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out), and the Huddler's, Inc.

Roger was first elected as council member for the City of Alma in 1986, thus jumpstarting his love for service to the community. In 1990, he was elected Mayor of Alma and faithfully served in that capacity for 14 years. In 2009, Roger was elected as Chairman of the Bacon County Board of Commissioners, and was serving as a council member for the City of Alma at the time of his death. During his tenure as mayor, Roger was appointed by then-Governor Zell Miller to the board of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and later served as Chair of this statewide board. He was also a long-time board member of the Georgia Municipal Association, and served as President in 2001. Roger's love for community was also shown through his decades of dedication and leadership on the board of the Bacon County Hospital Authority, currently serving as Chair of the Health Services Board. He was presented the Liston Elkins Award for distinguished service to Southeast Georgia. However, Roger's most rewarding and cherished role was as 'Papa' to his two-beloved grandsons.

Roger adored his family and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joy Britt Boatrigt of Alma, GA., his daughter, Patti Boatright Fort and husband Clint and two grandchildren, Evan and Jacob Fort of Brunswick, GA., three sisters, Charlotte Conner and husband David of Jesup, GA., Joyce Cason and husband Ervin of Alma, GA. and Diane King and husband Jerry of Mershon, GA., brother in law and sister in law, Buster and Cona Meeks of Alma, GA. Multiple nieces and nephews also survive.

Graveside services will be held Monday, May 11 ^th at 2:00 PM at Martha Memorial Methodist Church with the Georgia State Patrol and Honor Guard and other law enforcement serving as escort. Pastor Rick Brown and Pastor Ron Sweatt will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Bacon County Hospital Foundation, Inc. 302 South Wayne Street, Alma, Georgia 31510.